Japan Balances National Interest Amid US Pressure on Russian Energy Imports

Japan is facing increasing pressure from the U.S. to halt imports of Russian energy ahead of President Donald Trump's upcoming Asia visit, but Japan remains cautious due to its energy security needs. Trade Minister Yoji Muto emphasized that while Japan has steadily reduced its dependence on Russian energy since the Ukraine invasion, it cannot immediately stop imports, particularly liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Sakhalin-2 project, which supplies about 9% of Japan's LNG imports and 3% of its electricity generation. Japan's strategy involves balancing national interests with close coordination with global partners, including the G7, while acknowledging the significant role Russian LNG plays in its energy mix. Despite Western sanctions targeting Russian energy exports and their buyers, Japan has a waiver for Russian oil price caps and has not committed to a timeline to end Russian gas imports, partly due to long-term purchase agreements and the risk of higher procurement costs affecting electricity rates. The U.S. is also pressuring other Asian buyers like China and India, with sanctions imposed on entities trading with Russia, but Japan's approach highlights the complex dilemma of enforcing sanctions without compromising domestic energy security. This situation underscores the broader geopolitical and economic challenges in aligning sanctions policy with energy needs among U.S. allies in Asia.